[0001] EP 0 870 726 B 1 discloses a self-erecting crane with a sideways foldable jib in a transport position
of the crane. A jib is foldable and comprises an intermediate folding jib element.
However, the folding of the jib is limited due to the kinematics of the intermediate
folding jib element.
[0002] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a self-erecting crane with a foldable
jib such that folding the jib between a transportation arrangement and an operation
arrangement is enhanced.
[0003] This object is achieved according to the invention by a self-erecting crane comprising
the features of claim 1.
[0004] According to the invention, it was recognized that the folding of a jib of a self-erecting
crane is enhanced having a jib connecting unit comprising a first and a second jib
connecting element which are articulated to each other at at least one vertical hinge
axis. The at least one hinge axis is situated at least partially inside of the jib
connecting unit. In particular, the hinge axis intersects a lower boom plane section
of the first jib connecting element or of the second jib connecting element. The lower
boom plane sections of the corresponding jib connecting elements in particular build
a rectangular base having lower booms. In particular, the hinge axis intersects at
least one of the lower booms. Thus, the hinge axis is not situated on one of the sides
of the jib connecting unit. It is possible that the at least one hinge axis is situated
completely inside the jib connecting unit. In particular, the hinge axis intersects
the rectangular base and a rectangular roof built by an upper boom plane section.
Since the hinge axis is integrated in the jib connecting unit, the stiffness of the
jib connecting unit is enhanced.
[0005] Further, flexibility concerning the articulation of the jib connecting elements to
each other is not affected. The jib connecting unit enables stable, secure and flexible
folding of the jib.
[0006] A self-erecting crane according to claim 2 provides further flexibility for the handling
of the jib connecting elements of the jib connecting unit. Since an additional, intermediate
hinge axis is provided, the two hinge elements can be articulated at said intermediate
hinge axis. An additional degree of freedom for kinematics of the hinge elements is
provided.
[0007] A self-erecting crane according to claim 3 enables an offset of the first jib element
and the second jib element along the longitudinal axis such that the first jib element
and the second jib element are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal
axis.
[0008] A self-erecting crane according to claim 4 enables enhanced stiffness of the hinge
elements since the intermediate hinge axis is coaxially arranged to a fixing axis
of the hinge elements. The fixing axis enables fixing of the first jib connecting
element with the second jib connecting element, in particular in the operation arrangement.
Thus, the intermediate hinge axis provides multiple functionality.
[0009] A self-erecting crane according to claim 5 enables blocking of the articulation of
the two hinge elements to each other around the intermediate hinge axis. For that
purpose, each of the two hinge elements comprises a blocking bore, wherein in the
offset arrangement of the two hinge elements said blocking bores are aligned concentrically.
Thus, it is possible to block articulation of the two hinge elements by connecting
said elements with a connecting element, such as a bolt. Then, the articulation around
the intermediate hinge axis is prevented.
[0010] A self-erecting crane according to claim 6 enhances the handling of the jib, in particular
during an operation, i. e. in operation arrangement of the jib. At least one fixing
means is provided at the jib elements of the jib. Said fixing means can be realized
by bores to be aligned concentrically in the operation arrangement of the jib such
that the aligned bores are to be fixed with a bolt. However, other fixing means can
be provided as well. In particular, said fixing means, in particular the bores to
be aligned are arranged spaced apart from the first hinge axis and the second hinge
axis. In particular, the bores are aligned concentrically to a fixing axis, wherein
said fixing axis oriented parallel to the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.
[0011] Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with the add
of the drawings:
- Fig. 1
- shows a side view of a self-erected crane in an operation arrangement
- Fig. 2
- an isometric view of the crane in fig. 1 in a transportation arrangement,
- Fig. 3
- a front view of the crane in fig. 2,
- Fig. 4
- a side view of a jib connecting unit according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 5
- an isometric view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 4,
- Fig. 6
- a top view of a jib connecting unit in fig. 4,
- Fig. 7
- a top view corresponding to fig. 6 with the jib connecting unit in a transformation
position,
- Fig. 8
- a top view corresponding to fig. 6, 7 in a further transformation position,
- Fig. 9
- a top view corresponding to fig. 6 to 8 in a transportation arrangement of the jib
connecting unit,
- Fig. 10
- a side view of a jib connecting unit according to a further embodiment of the invention,
- Fig. 11
- a top view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 10 in the operation arrangement,
- Fig. 12
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 11 in a transformation
position,
- Fig. 13
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 11, 12 in an other transformation
position,
- Fig. 14
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 11 to 13 in an other transformation
position,
- Fig. 15
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 11 to 14 in the transportation
arrangement,
- Fig. 16
- a side view of a jib connecting unit according to a further embodiment of the invention,
- Fig. 17
- a top view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 16 in an operation arrangement,
- Fig. 18
- an isometric view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 16,
- Fig. 19
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 17 in a transformation
position,
- Fig. 20
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 17 and 19 in a transportation
arrangement,
- Fig. 21
- a side view a jib connecting unit according to a further embodiment of the invention,
- Fig. 22
- a top view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 21 in an operation arrangement,
- fig. 23
- an isometric view of the jib connecting unit in fig. 21,
- Fig. 24
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 22 in an offset arrangement,
- Fig. 25
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 22 and 24 in a transformation
arrangement,
- Fig. 26
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 22, 24 and 25 in an other
transformation position and
- Fig. 27
- a top view of the jib connecting unit corresponding to fig. 22 and 24 to 26 in a transportation
arrangement.
[0012] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a self-erected crane 1. The crane 1 comprises a basic
structure 2 with an undercarriage 3 which is supported on a ground 4 via struts 5.
The basic structure 2 further comprises an upper carriage 6 to which a counter weight
arrangement 7 comprising several stackable counter weights 8 is attached. A mast 9
is connected to the upper carriage 6 of the basic structure 2. The mast 9 is oriented
vertically concerning the ground 4. The mast 9 comprises a mast longitudinal axis
24. The mast longitudinal axis 24 is vertically oriented. The mast 9 comprises several
lattice sections arranged along the mast longitudinal axis 24. It is possible to provide
the mast 9 telescopically, wherein a lower section of the mast comprises a larger
cross sectional area than an upper section of the mast such that the upper section
can be stacked into the lower section for space-saving arrangement of the mast 9 in
a transportation arrangement.
[0013] At the tip of the mast 9 a jib 10 is articulated around a horizontal axis 11. The
jib 10 is luffable around the horizontal axis 11. Thus, the horizontal axis 11 is
also called luffing axis. A corresponding luffing plane is vertically oriented. The
luffing plane is the drawing plane of fig. 1.
[0014] The jib 10 is slacked via slacking means 12 at the counter weight arrangement 7.
The jib 10 comprises a first jib element 13, a second jib element 14, a third jib
element 15 and a fourth jib element 16. The first jib element 13 comprises a first
jib element axis 73. The second jib element 14 comprises a second jib element axis
74. The first jib element 13 is articulated at the horizontal axis 11 with the mast.
The first jib element is also called jib foot element. The first jib element 13 and
the second jib element 14 are connected via a connecting unit 17 with a first jib
connecting element 18 and a second jib connecting element 19. The jib connecting unit
17 is explained in detail later.
[0015] The first jib element 13 is directly articulated at a first jib connecting axis 20
with the first jib connecting element 18. The first jib connecting axis 20 is arranged
in the region of lower booms of the first jib element 13. In the region of upper booms
of the first jib element 13 it is connected to the first connecting element 18 via
a first telescopic cylinder 21.
[0016] The second jib element 14 is directly articulated at a second jib connecting axis
22 with the second jib connecting element 19. The second jib connecting axis 22 is
horizontally oriented. The second jib connecting axis 22 is arranged in an area next
to the lower booms of the second jib element 14. In an area of upper booms of the
second jib element 14, the second jib element 14 is connected to the second jib connecting
element 19 via a second telescopic cylinder 23.
[0017] The jib 10 comprises a longitudinal axis 25. In the arrangement of the crane 1 in
fig. 1 the crane can be operated, in particular for lifting and lowering a load. The
arrangement in fig. 1 is the so-called operation arrangement of the crane 1. In the
operation arrangement of the crane 1 the jib 10 is unfolded, i. e. the first jib element
13, the second jib element 14, the third jib element 15 and the fourth jib element
16 are disposed along the longitudinal axis 25. In the operation arrangement, the
first jib element 13 and the second jib element 14 are coaxially arranged concerning
the longitudinal axis 25. The first jib element axis 73 is coincident with the longitudinal
axis 25. The second jib element axis 74 is coincident with the longitudinal axis 25.
As can be seen from fig. 1, the longitudinal axis 25 provides an inclination concerning
the horizontal plane of about 5°. It is also possible to arrange the jib 10 in another
luffing position, in particular with a luffing angle in a range between 0° to 25°,
concerning the horizontal plane.
[0018] For lifting and lowering a load with the crane 1 a travelling trolley 29 is provided.
The travelling trolley 29 is provided at lower booms of the jib 10. In particular,
the travelling trolley 29 is guided at the lower booms of the jib 10. The travelling
trolley 29 is driven by trolley motor 30 via cables.
[0019] The second jib element 14 is connected to the third jib element 15 via a first connecting
element 26. The third jib element 15 and the fourth jib element 16 are connected with
each other via a second connecting element 27. The fourth jib element 16 comprises
a cross sectional area such that it can be nested onto the third jib element 15. In
particular, the fourth jib element 16 has an essentially U-shaped cross section with
an opening of the U at an upper end. When articulating the fourth jib element 16 at
the second connecting element 27 counterclockwise in fig. 1 the fourth jib element
16 can be set on top of the third jib element 15, wherein the lattice elements of
the third jib element 15 are disposed inside the open cross section of the fourth
jib element 16. Thus, folding of the fourth jib element 16 onto the third jib element
15 does not lead an enlargement of the height of the jib 10.
[0020] In fig. 2 and 3 a folded arrangement of the crane 1 and in particular of the jib
10 is illustrated. The fourth jib element 16 is nested on the third jib element 15
as described above. The third jib element 15 and the fourth jib element 16 are connected
via the second connecting element 27. Further, the second jib element 14 is connected
via the vertically arranged first connecting element 26 with the third jib element
15. As shown in fig. 2, the third jib element 15 together with the fourth jib element
16 are arranged on the second jib element 14. Since the third jib element 15 is folded
on the second jib element 14 using the first connecting element 26, the fourth jib
element 16 is arranged between the second jib element 14 and the third jib element
15. That means that the third jib element 15 is in the transportation arrangement
according to fig. 2 articulated with 180° around a horizontal axis of the first connecting
element 26 and is therefore in a reversed arrangement. The second jib element 14 is
connected via the jib connecting unit 17 to the first jib element 13. The first jib
element 13 is arranged behind the second jib element 14, third jib element 15 and
fourth jib element 16 as illustrated in fig. 2. That means that the first jib element
13 and the second jib element 14 are not arranged on top of each other but besides
each other.
[0021] As best seen in fig. 3, the first jib connecting element 18 and the second jib connecting
element 19 are articulated with respect to each other. The first jib element 13 is
arranged on top of the mast 9. The mast longitudinal axis 24, the first jib element
axis 73 and the second jib element axis 74 are arranged at corners of a triangle 28
which is schematically illustrated in fig. 3. In particular, the mast 9, first jib
element 13 and the second jib element 14 are not stacked on each other such that their
corresponding axes 24, 73, 74 are arranged along one direction. Thus, it is possible
to dispose the second jib element 14 besides the mast 9 and the first jib element
13. The height of the crane 1 in the transportation arrangement as illustrated in
fig. 2 and 3 is reduced.
[0022] A first embodiment of the jib connecting unit 17 is illustrated in fig. 4 to fig.
9. The jib connecting unit 17 comprises the first jib connecting element 18 and the
second jib connecting element 19. The first jib connecting element 18 provides openings
arranged concentrically to the first jib connecting axis 20. Additional openings are
provided concentrically to a first cylinder hinge axis 31.
[0023] The second jib connecting element 19 provides openings concentrically arranged concerning
the second jib connecting axis 22. Further openings are provided concentrically around
a second cylinder hinge axis 32. The jib connecting axes 20, 22 and the cylinder hinge
axes 31, 32 are oriented parallel to each other. In particular, said axes 20, 22,
31 and 32 are horizontally oriented. Said axes 20, 22, 31 and 32 are oriented perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis 25 of the jib 10.
[0024] The first jib connecting element 18 is connected with the second jib connecting element
19 via two hinge elements 33. Each hinge element 33 is provided as a connecting rod
articulated at a first hinge axis 34 with the first jib connecting element 18 and
articulated at a second hinge axis 35 with the second jib connecting element 19. The
first hinge axis 34 and the second hinge axis 35 are arranged to each other with a
lateral offset D to each other, wherein said offset D is oriented perpendicular to
said first hinge axis 34 and to said second hinge axis 35. In particular, the lateral
offset D is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 25 of the jib 10.
[0025] Both, the first jib connecting element 18 and the second jib connecting element 19
each comprises a cross section oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 25,
wherein said cross section is of trapezoid shape. The trapezoid comprises a bottom
in form of a lower first boom plane section defined by two lower first booms 36 extending
along the longitudinal axis 25. A roof of the trapezoid is provided in form of an
upper first boom plane section. The upper first boom plane section is provided by
an upper first plate element 37. The first cylinder hinge axis 31 intersects the upper
first plate element 37. The first jib connecting axis 20 intersects each of the lower
first booms 36 at free ends facing the first jib element 13. The upper first plate
element 37 comprises an inclination concerning an horizontal plane.
[0026] At an upper end 38 of the first jib connecting element 18 receiving means 39 are
provided for receiving rope guiding means, e. g. rope discs, or for receiving structural
parts of the jib, e.g. struts.
[0027] The second jib connecting element 19 comprises lower second booms 40 defining a lower
second boom plane section. Further, an upper second plate element 41 defines an upper
second boom plane section. The upper second boom plane section may comprise at least
partially an inclination. The trapezoid of the second jib connecting element 19 has
a bottom in form of the lower second boom plane section and a roof in form of an upper
second boom plane section.
[0028] The upper first boom plane section has a width W
U1. The lower first boom plane section has a width W
L1. The lower second boom plane section comprises a width W
L2. The upper second boom plane section comprises a width W
U2. As best seen from fig. 6 width W
U1 of the upper boom plane section of the first jib connecting element 18 is nearly
identical to the width W
U2 of the upper boom plane section of the second jib connecting element 19. Further,
the width W
L1 of the lower boom plane section of the first jib connecting element 18 is nearly
identical to the width W
L2 of the lower boom plane section of the second jib connecting element 19. The widths
W
U1, W
U2 of the upper boom plane sections of the jib connecting elements 18, 19 each are more
narrow than the widths W
L1, W
L2 of each corresponding lower boom plane section.
[0029] Each of the lower boom plane sections comprises several stiffening struts 42. The
lower first boom plane sections are each connected with the corresponding upper first
plate elements 37, 41 with stiffening plates 43. The stiffening plates 43 each comprise
a window for reduction of the material amount and therefore for reduction of the weight.
[0030] As best seen from fig. 6 both, the first hinge axis 34 and the second hinge axis
35 intersect the corresponding lower boom plane section. According to the first embodiment
of the invention, the first hinge axis 34 and the second hinge axis 35 intersect at
least the lower booms 36, 40.
[0031] Each of the hinge elements 33 comprises a stopping pin 44 in order to provide a defined
positioning of the first jib connecting element 18 relative to the second jib connecting
element 19.
[0032] The hinge elements 33 are concentrically arranged concerning the first hinge axis
34 and the second hinge axis 35. The two hinge elements 33 are spaced apart from each
other along the first hinge axis 34 and along the second hinge axis 35.
[0033] The first jib connecting element 18 provides a first fixing means 45 and the second
jib connecting element 19 comprises a second fixing means 46. Both fixing means 45,
46 comprise an opening, wherein said openings 45, 46 are aligned with each other in
the operation arrangement of the jib connecting unit 17 as illustrated in fig. 4 to
6. Thus, the first jib connecting element 18 and the second jib connecting element
19 can be fixed to each other e. g. by using a bolt in the aligned bores of the fixing
means 45, 46 such that an articulation of the first jib connecting element 18 relative
to the second jib connecting element 19 along at least one of the hinge axis 34, 35
is prevented.
[0034] In the following, a transformation of the crane 1 and in particular of the jib connecting
unit 17 from the operation arrangement in fig. 6 to the transportation arrangement
in fig. 9 is described.
[0035] For understanding the whole self-erecting process of the crane 1 is to be understood
that starting from the operation arrangement of the crane 1 with the linear, unfolded
arrangement of the jib 10, the jib elements 13 to 17 are disposed coaxially to the
longitudinal axis 25. Starting the folding means folding the fourth jib element 16
with the second connecting element 27 onto the third jib element 15. Further, the
third jib element 15 together with the folded fourth jib element 16 are folded via
the first connecting element 26 onto the second jib element 14. Thus, a labyrinth-like
arrangement of the second jib element 14, the third jib element 15 and the fourth
jib element 16 results as shown in fig. 2. Further, the second jib element 14 together
with the third jib element 15 and the fourth jib element 16 are articulated around
the second connecting axis 22 from a nearly horizontal arrangement in fig. 1 counterclockwise
for approximately 90°. This articulation is provided by the second telescopic cylinder
23. In a similar manner the first telescopic cylinder 21 is used to articulate the
first jib element 13 at the first jib connecting axis 20 towards the jib connecting
unit 17 clockwise for approximately 90° such that in the folded arrangement of the
jib 20 the first jib element 13 and the second jib element 14 are arranged such that
the telescopic cylinders 21, 23 are neighboring. This folding is a first folding step,
wherein the first jib element 13 and the second jib element 14 are folded concerning
the jib connecting unit 17. The folding takes place in a vertical plane around the
first jib connecting axis 20 and the second jib connecting axis 22.
[0036] A second folding step is provided by the jib connecting unit 17 itself. The second
folding step provides a folding in a horizontal plane and in particular out of said
vertical plane. The jib connecting unit 17 is also called a bi-fold hinge connecting
element for a jib boom.
[0037] In particular, the second folding step is illustrated in fig. 6 to 9. Starting from
the fixed arrangement of the jib connecting unit 17 in fig. 6, the fixation is released
by releasing the bolt fixing the fixing means 45, 46. Thus, it is possible to articulate
the second jib connecting element 19 at the second hinge axis 35. A 90° rotational
transformation position is given in fig. 7. Then, the second jib connecting element
19 together with the two hinge elements 33 are rotated around the first hinge axis
34 in a counterclockwise direction according to fig. 8. A final position of the second
jib connecting element 19 is illustrated in fig. 9, wherein the first jib connecting
element 18 and the second jib connecting element 19 are arranged next to each other
and parallel to each other. Since the hinge elements 33 are essentially oriented perpendicular
to each longitudinal axis of the first jib connecting element 18 and the second jib
connecting element 19, both jib connecting elements 18, 19 are disposed to each other
with a maximum lateral offset which is identical to the lateral offset D of the hinge
axis 34, 35 as indicated in fig. 6. It is possible to provided further pivoting of
the first jib connecting element 18 and/or the second jib connecting element 19 concerning
the hinge elements 33 such that the lower first booms 36 and the lower second booms
40 are arranged closer to each other and in particular are in contact with each other.
As it is illustrated in fig. 9, it is possible to pivot the first jib connecting element
18 to the left, wherein the parallel orientation of the first jib connecting element
18 to the second jib connecting element 19 is maintained. It is also possible to pivot
the first jib connecting element 18 to the right and also maintain the parallel orientation
of the jib connecting elements 18, 19 to each other. Maintaining the parallel orientation
of the jib connecting elements 18, 19 means that the corresponding facing sides of
the jib connecting elements 18, 19 at which the jib connecting elements 18, 19 are
connected in the operation arrangement are oriented parallel to each other. However,
the facing sides of the jib connecting elements 18, 19 may be arranged in different
vertical planes having a lateral offset concerning the longitudinal axis 25 which
is perpendicular to each of the vertical planes. A margin of an offset in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axis 25 is approximately two times the lateral offset
D. As indicated in fig. 9 the jib connecting elements 18, 19 are arranged to each
other such that the hinge element 33 are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 25. It is possible to maintain for instance the first jib connecting element
18 in the position according to fig. 9 and to rotate the second jib connecting element
19 together with the hinge element 33 around the first hinge axis 34, wherein the
main orientation of the second jib connecting element 19 which is parallel to the
first jib connecting element 18 is maintained. Such rotation is possible until the
second jib connecting element 19 with the lower second boom 40, i.e. the upper one
in fig. 9, is in direct contact with the lower first boom 36 of the first jib connecting
element 18, i.e. the lower one in fig. 9.
[0038] It is also possible to pivot the second jib connecting element 19 together with the
hinge element 33 around the first jib connecting axis 34 counterclockwise until the
lower booms 36, 40 contact each other.
[0039] Obviously, it is also possible to maintain the second jib connecting element 19 in
position and to provide a rotation of the first jib connecting element 18 together
with the hinge element 33 around the second hinge axis 35. A lateral difference, i.e.
the margin of the offset in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 25 of
the vertical plane in both arrangements as already explained above is approximately
two times the lateral offset D.
[0040] A further embodiment of a jib connecting unit of a jib according to the invention
is illustrated in fig. 10 to 15. Components that correspond to those as described
in previous figs. 1 to 9 have identical reference signs.
[0041] The jib connecting unit 47 differs from the jib connecting unit 17 essentially in
that only one hinge element 48 is provided. The hinge element 48 is provided as a
connecting rod, but having an enlarged height along a first hinge axis 49 compared
to the connecting rods 33. Thus, the single piece hinge element 48 has an enhanced
stiffness concerning the two separate hinge elements 33 of the first embodiment.
[0042] Further, the hinge element 48 is integrated in the jib connecting unit 47 such that
the first hinge axis 49 and the second hinge axis 50 intersect not only the lower
booms 36, 40 of the corresponding lower boom plane sections, but an intermediate section
arranged between two parallel corresponding booms 36 and 40, respectively.
[0043] A further difference concerning the first embodiment of the jib connecting unit 17
is the upper second plate element 51 which clearly comprises an inclination concerning
a horizontal plane.
[0044] In addition, the first jib connecting axis 52 and the second jib connecting axis
53 are provided with a height-offset concerning the lower booms 36, 40. However, the
jib connecting axis 52, 53 are arranged in region of the lower boom plane sections.
[0045] In the following, the second folding step, i. e. the folding of the jib connecting
unit 47 is described concerning figs. 11 to 15. Starting from the fixed arrangement
in the operation arrangement in fig. 11, the fixation of the first fixing means 45
and the second fixing means 46 is released. As illustrated in fig. 12, it is possible
to provide a transversal offset of the first and the second jib connecting elements.
That means that both jib connecting elements 18, 19 are arranged along the longitudinal
axis 25 but not coaxially concerning said axis 25. Said arrangement is achieved by
pivoting the hinge element 48 counterclockwise around the second hinge axis 50. In
a next transformation step the hinge element 48 is pivoted around the first hinge
axis 49 on the one hand and also around the second hinge axis 50 on the other hand.
After that, the second jib connecting element 19 is pivoted together with the hinge
element 48 around the first hinge axis 49 in a 90° position (fig. 14). In a last transformation
step the second jib connecting element 19 is pivoted around the second hinge axis
50 only in a parallel arrangement of the both jib connecting elements (fig. 15). As
previously explained concerning the first embodiment of the jib connecting unit of
the invention, also the second embodiment provides an offset of the jib connecting
elements relative to each other. However, the amount of the offset is reduced, since
the hinge axis 49, 50 are provided deeper inside the corresponding cross sectional
areas.
[0046] A further embodiment of a jib connecting unit of a jib according to the invention
is illustrated in figs. 16 to 20. Components that correspond to those as described
in previous figs. 1 to 15 have identical reference signs.
[0047] A jib connecting unit 54 according to a further embodiment of the invention comprises
one single hinge element 55. The hinge element 55 is attached to the first connecting
element 18 and the second jib connecting element 19 such that the first hinge axis
56 and the second hinge axis 57 are provided inside the corresponding lower boom plane
sections, respectively. The fixing axis at which the first fixing means 58 and the
second fixing means 59 articulated with each other is disposed in an intermediate
plane of the jib connecting element 54. Said intermediate plane is vertically oriented
and contains the longitudinal axis 25 of the jib 10. The main difference of the jib
connecting element 54 regarding previously described embodiments is the hinge element
55. From an upper end a lower horizontally extending plate two positioning pins 60
are vertically extending. The positioning pins 60 are of importance for the transformation
procedure as described in the following.
[0048] Starting from the operation arrangement of the jib connecting element 54 in fig.
17, the second jib connecting element 19 is articulated with the hinge element 55
around the first hinge axis 56 into the arrangement as shown in fig. 19. An articulation
around the first hinge axis 56 is automatically stopped when one of the positioning
pins 60 reaches a corresponding recess 61 of the first jib connecting element 18.
Thus, further articulation of the hinge element 55 around the first hinge axis 56
counterclockwise is prevented. For further transformation of the jib connecting unit
54 than the second jib connecting element 19 is articulated around the second hinge
axis 57 into a position of the transportation arrangement in fig. 20. Said transportation
arrangement is reached when the second positioning pin 60 is disposed in a second
recess 61 of the second jib connecting element 19. Thus, the transportation arrangement
of fig. 20 is secured by the position pins 60 each arranged in a corresponding recess
61. However, it is possible to articulate the second jib connecting element 19 together
with the hinge element 55 around the first hinge axis 56 clockwise or to articulate
the first jib connecting element 18 together with the hinge element 55 around the
second hinge axis 57 counter clockwise such that the first jib connecting element
18 and the second jib connecting element 19 are arranged side by side with contact
between the lower booms 36 and 40.
[0049] A further embodiment of a jib connecting unit of a jib according to the invention
is illustrated in figs. 21 to 27. Components that correspond to those as described
in previous figs. 1 to 20 have identical reference signs.
[0050] The main difference of the jib connecting unit 62 concerning previously described
embodiments is the feature that a first hinge element 63 and a second hinge element
64 are provided, wherein said two hinge elements 63, 64 are articulated at an intermediate
hinge axis 65. That means the first hinge element 63 is articulated at the first hinge
axis 66 with the first jib connecting element 18. The second hinge element 64 is articulated
at the second hinge axis 67 with the second jib connecting element 19. Both hinge
elements 63, 64 are pivotally connected with each other around the intermediate hinge
axis 65. In the operation arrangement of the jib connecting unit 62 as illustrated
in figs. 21 to 23 the intermediate hinge axis 65 is coaxially arranged to a fixing
axis at which the first fixing means 68 of the first jib connecting element 18 and
the second fixing means 69 of the second jib connecting element 19 are fixed with
each other. Thus, the operation arrangement of the jib connecting unit 62 is also
a connecting arrangement in which the first jib connecting element 18 and the second
jib connecting element 19 are directly connected to each other. By releasing the fixation
of the first fixing means 68 with the second fixing means 69 it is possible to provide
relative displacement of the first jib connecting element 18 and the second jib connecting
element 19 to each other.
[0051] An articulation of the first and the second hinge elements 63, 64 enables an offset
arrangement of the jib connecting unit 62 as illustrated in fig. 24. The offset arrangement
provides an axial offset A. the offset is oriented along the longitudinal axis 25.
[0052] The offset arrangement is reached when the first hinge axis 66, the second hinge
axis 67 and the intermediate hinge axis 65 are disposed on straight line 70. Said
virtual line 70 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 25. In this offset arrangement
blocking bores 71 which are provided in both, the first hinge element 63 and the second
hinge element 64 are coaxially aligned. It is possible to connect the first hinge
element 63 and the second hinge element 64 with a non-shown connecting element such
as a bolt. Thus, the first hinge element 63 and the second hinge element 64 are connected
with each other at the intermediate hinge axis 65 and at the blocking bores 71. Thus,
an articulation of the first hinge element 63 concerning the second hinge element
64 is not longer enabled when using the connecting element in the blocking bores 71.
The first hinge element 63 and the second hinge element 64 together build a common
hinge element 63, 64 which comprises enhanced stiffness concerning the first hinge
element 63 and the second hinge element 64 articulated at the intermediate hinge axis
65.
[0053] In the offset arrangement as illustrated in fig. 24 the intermediate hinge axis 65,
the blocking bores 71 and the second fixing means 69 are arranged on a line 72 which
essentially perpendicular to the line 70 and the longitudinal axis 25. However, it
is not necessary to provide such aligned arrangement.
[0054] After transformation of the jib connecting unit 62 from the operation arrangement
in figs. 21 to 23 to the offset arrangement as illustrated in fig. 24 a further transformation
of the jib connecting unit 62 is enabled using the blocked common hinge element 63,
64. Starting from the offset arrangement in fig. 24, the second jib connecting element
19 is articulated at the second hinge axis 67 counterclockwise. After that the second
jib connecting element 19 together with the common hinge element 63, 64 is articulated
at the first hinge axis 66 counterclockwise relative to the first jib connecting element
18. In a last step the second jib connecting element 19 is articulated at the second
hinge axis 67 counterclockwise such that the first jib connecting element 18 and the
second jib connecting element 19 are oriented parallel, i. e. such that the lower
booms 36 and 40 are oriented parallel. As illustrated in fig. 27 it is possible to
arrange the common hinge element 63, 64 in a position such that the line 70 is not
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 25.
1. A self-erecting crane, comprising a foldable jib (10) having at least a first jib
element (13), a second jib element (14) and a third jib element (15), a jib connecting
unit (17; 47; 54; 62) connecting the first jib element (13) and the second jib element
(14), wherein the second jib element (14) and the third jib element (15) of the folded
jib (10) is arranged on a side of a mast (9) of the crane (1) in a transportation
position,
wherein the jib connecting unit (17; 47; 54; 62) further comprises
a) a first jib connecting element (18) having a rectangular base, wherein said first
jib connecting element (18) is connected to the first jib element (13) in the area
of lower booms (36) at a transverse first jib connecting axis (20) and wherein said
first jib connecting element (18) is connected to the first jib element (13) via a
first telescopic cylinder (21) to upper booms of the first jib element (13),
b) a second jib connecting element (19) having a rectangular base, wherein said second
jib connecting element (19) is connected to the second jib element (14) in the area
of lower booms (40) at a transverse second jib connecting axis (22) and wherein said
second jib connecting element (19) is connected to the second jib element (14) via
a second telescopic cylinder (23) to upper booms of the second jib element (14),
c) a hinge element (33; 48; 55; 63, 64) joining the first jib connecting element (18)
to the second jib connecting element (19), wherein the hinge element (33; 48; 55;
63, 64) determines at least one vertical hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67),
and
d) non-permanent fixing means (45, 46; 58, 59; 68, 69) for interlocking the jib connecting
element (18) with the second jib connecting element (19) in an operation position
of the crane (1),
characterized in that
the at least one hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67) is situated at least
partially inside the jib connecting unit (17; 47; 54; 62).
2. The self-erecting crane according to claim 1, characterised by two hinge elements (63, 64) being articulated at an intermediate hinge axis (65).
3. The self-erecting crane according to claim 2, characterised in that the two hinge elements (63, 64) are displaceable between a connecting arrangement
and an offset arrangement, wherein in the connecting arrangement the first jib connecting
element (18) and the second jib connecting element (19) are directly connected to
each other, and wherein in the offset arrangement the first jib connecting element
(18) and the second jib connecting element (19) are spaced apart from each other along
the longitudinal axis (25) with an axial offset (A).
4. The self-erecting crane according to claim 3, characterised in that the intermediate hinge axis (65) is coaxially arranged to a fixing axis at which
the first jib connecting element (18) and the second jib connecting element (19) are
fixed with each other, in particular in the operation arrangement.
5. The self-erecting crane according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that each of the two hinge elements (63, 64) comprises a blocking bore (71), wherein in
the offset arrangement said blocking bores (71) are aligned coaxially and are connected
by a connecting element such that articulation around the intermediate hinge axis
(65) is prevented.
6. The self-erecting crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first jib connecting element (18) and the second jib connecting element (19)
each provide at least one fixing means (45, 46; 58, 59; 68, 69) to be fixed to each
other, in particular in the operation arrangement of the jib (10).
7. The self-erecting crane according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a first hinge element (63) is articulated at a first hinge axis (66) with the first
jib connecting element (18) and a second hinge element (64) is articulated at a second
hinge axis (67) with the second jib connecting element (19), wherein in the offset
arrangement the first hinge axis (66), the second hinge axis (67) and the intermediate
hinge axis (65) are disposed on a straight line (70).
8. The self-erecting crane according to claim 7, characterized in that the line (70) is parallel to a longitudinal axis (25) of the jib (10).
9. The self-erecting crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67) intersects a lower boom
plane section of the first jib connecting element (18) or of the second jib connecting
element (19).
10. The self-erecting crane according to claim 9, characterized in that the lower boom plane section builds a rectangular base having lower booms (40), wherein
the at least one hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67) intersects at least one
of the lower booms (40).
11. The self-erecting crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67) is situated completely
inside the jib connecting unit (17; 47; 54; 62).
12. The self-erecting crane according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one hinge axis (34, 35; 49, 50; 56, 57; 66, 67) intersects a rectangular
base built by a lower boom plane section and a rectangular roof built by an upper
boom plane section.